Top 10: US Construction CEOs

The CEOs of the US construction industry have helped shape the nation's infrastructure – from the Empire State Building to the Golden Gate Bridge.

The American construction industry spans centuries, evolving from colonial-era wooden structures to modern skyscrapers.

Today, the sector grapples with labour shortages and sustainability demands while pursuing smart city development and infrastructure renewal.

Another prominent challenge for US construction leaders, is the integration of technology into all areas of construction processes, to improve areas from efficiency in organising workloads to design of major construction projects. 

However, recent legislation has injected billions into infrastructure projects, promising a new era of construction activity.

Here, we look at the top CEO’s of some of the biggest construction companies in America, ranked by 2023 revenue.

10. Peter Davoren, Turner Construction Company 

Revenue: US$6.2bn
Employees: 10,000

Under Peter Davoren's leadership, Turner Construction has expanded globally, embracing emerging technologies and diversified its services.

Turner Construction Company is a construction management firm headquartered in New York City.

Turner's first project in 1902 was constructing concrete staircases for the New York City Subway Station, valued at just US$690.

Now, its projects include the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. 

Davoren is also striving for environmental and sustainability improvements, aiming to reduce its environmental impact by a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption by 2030.

9. Bob Pragada, Jacobs Solutions

Revenue: US$7bn
Employees: 60,000

Bob Pragada, CEO of Jacobs Solutions, served nine years in the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps, rising to Lieutenant Commander.

Following his military service, Pragada spent seven years as COO at Kinetics, a global provider of process solutions for semiconductor and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Jacobs Solutions is a global technical professional services firm providing engineering, consulting and construction services.

It has contributed to major construction projects, such as the NASA Kennedy Space Center, the San-Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing in Scotland, the world's longest three-tower cable-stayed bridge.

8. Michael Choutka, Hensel Phelps Construction Company

Revenue: US$7.6bn
Employees: 3,000

Hensel Phelps' first commercial projects were grain elevators built from wood during World War II due to material rationing.

It is a general contractor and construction manager, headquartered in Greeley, Colorado.

With over 25 years of industry involvement, Choutka as CEO actively participates in several associations, including ABC and ACE Mentor Program, demonstrating his commitment to industry growth and positive change.

He has progressed through various roles within the company since starting as a Field Engineer.

7. Tom Laird, Gilbane Building Company

Revenue: US$9.7bn
Employees: 2,500

Thomas Laird, Gilbane's longest-serving executive leader, was appointed Executive Chairman in 2022.

Previously an EVP overseeing the New York Division, he champions ESG initiatives and leads the Technology Group and Innovation Council.

Laird's extensive career at Gilbane includes various senior roles across multiple regions.

Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, the company is a global construction and real estate development firm.

The company has also completed big projects including the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum and the US Capitol Visitor Center.

6. George Pfeffer, DPR Construction

Revenue: US$9.6bn
Employees: 8,000

George Pfeffer, CEO of DPR Construction, has a 30-year career marked by significant achievements.

Joining DPR in 1992, he progressed from project engineer to regional manager.

Pfeffer's expertise in managing complex projects, such as Genentech's 450,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility expansion, has solidified his reputation as an industry leader.

DPR is headquartered in Redwood City, California, the company has worked on include the JW Marriott in Austin and the National Security Agency's data centre in Utah.

5. Troy Rudd, AECOM

Revenue: US$12.8bn
Employees: 50,000

AECOM, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a global infrastructure consulting firm.

The company partners with clients across various sectors, including transportation, buildings, water, energy and the environment.

Troy Rudd, appointed CEO of AECOM in 2020, has held various leadership roles since joining the company in 2009.

Previously, he served as chief financial officer for the firm.

Now, the company has worked on huge projects, including the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brazil, One World Trade Center in New York, the Burj Khalifa and the Shard.

4. Robert Moser, Clark Construction Group

Revenue: US$13.7bn
Employees: 5,000

Under Robert Moser's leadership, Clark Construction has delivered landmark projects across the US, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture and Chase Center.

Moser has a focus on worker safety, employee development and providing necessary resources to ensure the company's continued project execution.

The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland and is one of the largest commercial and civil contractors in the United States.

3. Rick Lanoha, Kiewit Corporation

Revenue: US$19.3bn
Employees: 31,100

Rick Lanoha joined Kiewit in 1986, initially as a part-time employee.

Upon completing his construction engineering degree, he progressed through various operational roles in Southern California.

From 2000 onwards, Lanoha assumed increasingly senior positions, including area manager, district manager, senior vice president and division manager, demonstrating a trajectory of consistent career advancement within the organisation.

Kiewit Corporation, headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is one of North America's largest engineering and construction organisations.

2. David Constable, Flour Corporation

Revenue: US$22bn
Employees: 40,000

Fluor Corporation was recognised as one of the top 100 energy transition innovators by Reuters in 2022, highlighting its commitment to sustainable practices.

Headquartered in Irving, Texas, it is a global engineering, procurement, construction and maintenance company.

David Constable brings over four decades of experience to Fluor, having held various leadership positions from 1982 to 2011.

He rejoined as a board member in 2019, chairing the Commercial Strategy and Operational Risk Committee.

His multinational expertise includes serving as CEO of Sasol, the global integrated energy and chemical company from 2011 to 2016, where he implemented significant organisational changes to drive growth.

Fluor has delivered projects including the Three Gorges Dam and the Burj Khalifa.

1. Brendan Bechtel, Bechtel

Revenue: US$26bn
Employees: 55,000

Brendan Bechtel is the fifth generational CEO of the Bechtel family that runs the company and became CEO at the age of 35.

Bechtel is a global engineering, construction and project management powerhouse,  headquartered in Reston, Virginia.

Bechtel is the great-great-grandson of founder Warren A, who began the company in 1898 by grading railroads with a mule team, highlighting the company's journey from humble beginnings to industry leader.

Now, the company’s diverse portfolio spans 160 countries across all seven continents.

From 2010, Bechtel embarked on a board-designed career trajectory within the Bechtel Group, assuming progressively senior roles in construction, project management and executive leadership.

His portfolio included managing the Dulles Corridor Metrorail project and contributing to the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station in California, demonstrating his capability for future leadership.

Now, the company aims to deliver innovative solutions for complex infrastructure and has completed iconic projects such as the Hoover Dam and Channel Tunnel.

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